The Human Conveyor Belt: Walking Through Meetings

Last month, after wrapping up a particularly long week, I decided to treat myself to a new toy—a treadmill that sits right under my desk! It might sound like a strange gift to give yourself, but let me tell you, it has been an absolute game-changer. Now, during virtual meetings where I’m not the one leading the conversation, I can walk. Yes, I walk through meetings—and it’s the best thing ever!

Movement has always been important to me. I’ve found that sitting for too long not only makes me feel restless, but it also creates this physical and mental slump. It’s like my body starts to feel the weight of the hours spent in front of a screen. That tired, sluggish feeling? I used to feel it almost every day by the afternoon. But ever since I introduced this treadmill into my routine, I’ve noticed a huge difference.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to keep moving, even when I’m at my desk. Not only do I feel more energized, but I’m also more engaged. It’s as if the movement wakes up my mind. Suddenly, I’m alert and present in a way I wasn’t when I was just sitting there, watching the clock tick by. And the best part? By the end of the day, instead of feeling drained, I actually feel invigorated. I’ve added a few thousand extra steps to my day without even trying!

Of course, the first question people ask is, “Isn’t that distracting? How do your clients feel about it?” It’s a good question. But here’s the thing—I’ve found that walking while I listen actually helps me focus more. There’s something about getting the blood flowing that makes me more attentive, more engaged in the conversation. As long as I’m not the one speaking or presenting, it’s perfect. And as for my clients? They haven’t noticed at all!

But this isn’t just about staying focused in meetings. There’s a bigger reason I love this change: it’s good for my long-term health. We all know that sitting for too long can have serious consequences over time, from back problems to a higher risk of chronic conditions. By walking more during my day, I’m doing something small but significant to safeguard my health. And that means I can continue to show up at my best—for my work, for my family, for life—for a long time to come.

For me, this has been a great way to combine productivity with self-care. I used to think of multitasking as a distraction, but in this case, it’s the opposite. I’m honoring my body by moving, while also staying committed to my work. It’s a win-win.

So, if you’re like me—someone who loves movement but finds yourself stuck at a desk for most of the day—I highly recommend trying something like this. Even if it’s just standing up more or taking quick walks between calls, these little changes can make a big difference. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional choices that have the most profound impact on how we feel, both physically and mentally. And trust me, the energy boost is real!